Modular automotive multimedia and telematic extension box and head unit

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a modular automotive multimedia and telematic extension unit and head unit. In one embodiment, the present invention is an extension unit including a storage unit storing an application of an external personal electronic device, a processor connected to the storage unit, and a first connection unit connected to the storage unit and configured to be connected to a head unit in an automobile.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/276,193, filed on Nov. 21, 2008, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to a modular automotive multimedia andtelematic extension box and head unit.

2. Background

A user may want to connect a portable electronic device to anautomobile's infotainment system. To do so, the automobile must bepre-configured to accept the device either through a hardwired interfaceor a pre-defined wireless interface and a corresponding pre-definedsoftware interface. A user may also want to add new applications,revisions to improve existing applications, or add new communicationprotocols for new devices to the vehicle's infotainment system after thevehicle has been built. Once the automobile is built, thefactory-installed infotainment system has traditionally been difficultto update without full replacement of the head unit. An automotivedealer may want the flexibility to add this capability onto the car atthe point of sale inexpensively and quickly, with minimum tear-up of thevehicle. The user may want this ability as well while maintaining thevehicle's interior styling.

Thus, there is a need for a modular automotive multimedia and telematicextension box and mating head unit to allow the dealer to add value tothe vehicle at the point of sale, and allow both the dealer and user tocontinue to maintain vehicle value and styling through upgradeabilityfor new devices, applications, communication profiles, and softwareupdates.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present invention is an extension unit includinga central processing unit, a storage unit which may include an internalflash memory, a hard drive, a SD Card slot, and/or a combinationthereof, for storing an operating system and applications which allowthe extension to communicate with external portable personal electronicdevices through various communication connections which may includewired serial communication, wireless communication via Bluetooth, WiFi,or WiMAX, and a first connection unit connected to the extension unitand configured to be connected to a head unit in an automobile.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a head unit including acentral processing unit, storage unit, and/or various multimediaplayback devices for an automobile including a body having a receptaclefor the above described extension unit, and a display connected to thebody which tilts open to expose the receptacle for the extension unit,the first connection unit transmitting data from the extension unit tothe display when the first connection unit is connected to the display.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is an automobileincluding a head unit including a central processing unit, storage unit,and/or various multimedia playback devices for an automobile including abody having a receptacle for the above described extension unit, and adisplay connected to the body which tilts open to expose the receptaclefor the extension unit, and an extension unit including a centralprocessing unit, a storage unit connected to the central processing unitincluding an internal flash memory, a hard drive, a SD Card slot, and/ora combination thereof, for storing an operating system and applicationswhich allow the extension to communicate with external portable personalelectronic devices through various communication connections such aswired serial communication, wireless communication via Bluetooth, WiFi,or WiMAX, the extension unit also storing an application of an externalportable personal electronic device, the application simulating theexternal portable personal electronic device and allowing a user toaccess features of the external portable personal electronic device evenwhen the external portable personal electronic device is disconnectedfrom the extension unit. The extension unit can also include a firstconnection unit connected to the storage unit and configured to beconnected to the display, the first connection unit transmitting datafrom the application to the display when the first connection unit isconnected to the display. A second connection unit can optionally beincluded and configured to be connected to the external portablepersonal electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the detailed description set forth below whentaken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modular system for an automobileaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a head unit of the modular system wherefaceplate is in a first position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of head unit of modular system wherefaceplate is in a second position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of head unit of modular system wherefaceplate is in a second position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of extension unit according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of extension unit according to an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus, systems and methods that implement the embodiments of thevarious features of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptionsare provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention andnot to limit the scope of the present invention. Throughout thedrawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondencebetween referenced elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modular system 2 for a vehicle accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, modularsystem 2 includes a head unit 4, an extension unit 6, an energy unit 8,and a control unit 10. The vehicle can be an automobile, an airplane, aboat or any type of device suitable to transport people. Energy unit 8is connected to head unit 4. Energy unit 8 can be any type of energysource such as a battery or an engine. Control unit 10 is connected tohead unit 4. In one embodiment, control unit 10 is an engine controlunit. Although not shown, control unit 10 can be optionally connected toenergy unit 8 and/or extension unit 6. Control unit 10 can optionallymonitor or direct the functions of head unit 4.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of head unit 4 of modular system 2 wherefaceplate 18 is in a first position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Head unit 4 includes a body 24, a faceplate 18, adisplay 12, buttons 14 (if necessary), and a microphone 16 (microphone16 may be external to head unit 4 depending on vehicle configuration).In one embodiment, body 24 is formed from sheet metal. Faceplate 18 isconnected to body 24 and includes display 12, buttons 14, and microphone16. Display 12 displays data such as text or visual images for head unit4. Buttons 14 allow a user to interact with head unit 4 while microphone16 allows a user to vocally interact with head unit 4. Faceplate 18 ismovable and can be moved from a first position to a second position evenwhen it is connected to body 24. In one embodiment, faceplate 18 ismoved through manual springs and/or dampers (not shown). In anotherembodiment, faceplate 18 is moved through the use of an electrical motorand tilt mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, faceplate 18 is in afirst position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of head unit 4 of modular system 2 wherefaceplate 18 is in a second position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Faceplate 18 is moved to a second position asindicated by arrow 20. In one embodiment, when faceplate 18 is moved tothe second position, display 12 faces a downwards direction. In anotherembodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, which is a perspective view of headunit 4 of modular system 2 where faceplate 18 is moved to a secondposition as indicated by arrow 48. As shown in FIG. 4, when faceplate 18is moved to the second position, display 12 faces an upwards direction.

Referring again to FIG. 3, when faceplate 18 is moved to the secondposition, receptacle 26 and disc player 46 in body 24 are exposed. Discplayer 46 can read and play discs such as a compact disc or DVD.Furthermore, extension unit 6 can be stored in head unit 4 by placingextension unit 6 in receptacle 26 as indicated by arrow 22. In oneembodiment, extension unit 6 can be secured in and/or released fromreceptacle 26 and body 24 through manual springs and/or dampers (notshown).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of extension unit 6 according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, extension unit6 includes a body 44. Visible on an exterior of body 44 is an SD cardconnection 34 and a serial communication connection unit 30.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of extension unit 6 according to an embodimentof the present invention. As seen in FIG. 6, extension unit 6 includesbody 44 which holds storage unit 28, head unit connection unit 38,processor 26, serial communication connection unit 30, wireless antenna32, and SD Card connection 34. Optionally, an authentication unit 36and/or personal electronic device connection unit 40 can be included.

Head unit connection unit 38 is connected to processor 26 and also headunit 4. Head unit connection unit 38 facilitates the transmission ofdata between head unit 4 and extension unit 6. Head unit connection unit38 can be, for example, metal prongs, cable slots, wireless transmissionand reception device, or any other type of device permittingcommunication between head unit 4 and extension unit 6.

Optional personal electronic device connection unit 40 is connected toprocessor 26. Personal electronic device connection unit 40 can beconfigured to be connected with external personal electronic device 42and can facilitate the transmission of data between extension unit 6 andexternal personal electronic device 42. Personal electronic deviceconnection unit 40 can be, for example, metal prongs, cable slots,wireless transmission and reception device, or any other type of devicepermitting communication between extension unit 6 and external personalelectronic device 42.

External personal electronic device 42 can be connected and disconnectedfrom extension unit 6. External personal electronic device 42 can beconnected to extension unit 6 through serial communication connectionunit 30 and wireless antenna 32. Although not shown in FIG. 6, externalpersonal electronic device 42 can also optionally be connected toextension unit 6 through SD card connection 34 and/or personalelectronic device connection unit 40. External personal electronicdevice 42 contains an application that is used when a user utilizesexternal personal electronic device 42. External personal electronicdevice 42 can be, for example, an audio device, a video device, anaudio/video device, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, gamesystems, etc. Furthermore, it is contemplated that external personalelectronic device 42 can be a stationary device or a portable device.

Storage unit 28 is connected to processor 26 and stores an operatingsystem which is used to run extension unit 6. The operating system canbe a Microsoft Windows® based operating system, a UNIX based operatingsystem, a Linux based operating system, or any other type of operatingsystem. Storage unit 28 can also store a copy of the application ofexternal personal electronic device 42. Furthermore, storage unit 28 canalso store multimedia files such as mp3's, wave files, audio files, mpegfiles, video files, or any other types of multimedia files. Storage unit28 can be, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or othertypes of storage mediums.

Serial communication connection unit 30 is connected to processor 26 andallows extension unit 6 to communicate with an external device. Serialcommunication connection unit 30 can be, for example, a universal serialbus (“USB”) connection unit using the USB standard and any version ofthe USB standard. In one embodiment, serial communication connectionunit 30 can be adapted to be used for USB 1.1 devices. In anotherembodiment, serial communication connection unit 30 can be adapted to beused with USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 devices. The external device can be anytype of electronic equipment such as a computer, a mobile phone, apersonal digital assistant, etc.

Wireless antenna 32 is connected to processor 26 and allows extensionunit 6 to communicate with an external device wirelessly. Wirelessantenna 32 can be an RF antenna, cellular antenna, a Bluetooth antenna,or even a GPS antenna. If wireless antenna is a global positioningsystem (“GPS”) antenna, it is contemplated that extension unit 6 canhave GPS capabilities. Again, the external device can be any type ofelectronic equipment.

Secure digital (“SD”) card connection 34 is connected to processor 26and allows extension unit 6 to read data from an SD card. In oneembodiment, SD card connection 34 can read data from both SD and SD highcapacity cards.

Optional authentication unit 36 is connected to processor 26 and allowsextension unit 6 to be authenticated to head unit 4 and/or for head unit4 to be authenticated to extension unit 6 when extension unit 6 isconnected to head unit 4. Authentication unit 6 can also be used toauthenticate head unit 4 to an external device and receiveauthentication from the external device. Thus, authentication unit 36can allow one-way or mutual authentication. Authentication unit 36 canalso allow a user to be authenticated to ensure that the user isauthorized to use extension unit 6. This can be done, for example, byrequiring the user to enter a password to extension unit 6, head unit 4,or the external device, such that it can be verified by extension unit6. Authentication can also be done, for example, through the use ofbiometrics such as voice, fingerprints, or other biological data of theuser. Authentication unit 6 can also communicate with other externaldevices through serial communication connection unit 30, optionalpersonal electronic device connection unit 40, and/or head unitconnection unit 38.

Authentication unit 36 can thus ensure that extension unit 6 is pluggedinto an appropriate head unit 6 and also that an authorized user isusing extension unit 6. This can be advantageous, for example, todiscourage thefts of extension unit 6. Furthermore, this can beadvantageous if extension unit 6 is part of a subscription plan in whichcertain features of extension unit 6 are available on a subscription oradditional purchase basis.

Processor 26 is connected to head unit connection unit 38, storage unit28, personal electronic device connection unit 40, serial communicationconnection unit 30, wireless antenna 32, SD card connection 34, andauthentication unit 36. Processor 26 executes the operating systemstored in storage unit 28 and can be, for example, a central processingunit. Processor 26 can also execute the copy of the application ofexternal personal electronic device 42. By executing the copy of theapplication of external personal electronic device 42, processor 26 cansimulate external personal electronic device 42. Through simulatingexternal personal electronic device 42, extension unit 6 can reduce thenecessity for external personal electronic device 42 to be connected toextension unit 6 in order for a user to utilize some or all of thefeatures of external personal electronic device 42. Thus, the user canaccess features of external personal electronic device 42 even whenexternal personal electronic device 42 is disconnected from extensionunit 6. This is advantageous as it reduces the amount of equipment thatmust be connected in order for a user to utilize features of externalpersonal electronic device 42. Furthermore, it may be cumbersome for theuser to constantly connect and disconnect external personal electronicdevice 42, especially when the user may want to use external personalelectronic device 42 in another automobile or at a separate location.

In addition, in the world of electronics, new models of externalpersonal electronic device 42 may be introduced. Since the new models ofexternal personal electronic device 42 may have modified sizes differentfrom the earlier version of external personal electronic device 42, itmay be difficult to connect external personal electronic device 42 toextension unit 6. For example, automobile 2, extension unit 6, and/orhead unit 4 may have had a receptacle specifically sized for externalpersonal electronic device 42 allowing external personal electronicdevice 42 to be connected to extension unit 6. However, if a new versionof external personal electronic device 42 has a different size and/orshape, then the new version of external personal electronic device 42may not fit the receptacle thus preventing external personal electronicdevice 42 from being connected to extension unit 6 or forcing externalpersonal electronic device 42 to be placed in a different location. Thiscan hamper the usability of external personal electronic device 42 andeven make its use prohibitive.

However, with the features of the present invention, a new version ofexternal personal electronic device 42 can be used even when the sizingand/or shape of external personal electronic device 42 is modified sinceprocessor 42 can simulate the functions and/or features of externalpersonal electronic device 42 using the copy of the application ofexternal personal electronic device 42. Furthermore, the user will alsonot have to constantly connect and disconnect external personalelectronic device 42 if the user wants to use external personalelectronic device 42 outside of the vehicle.

In operation, the user moves faceplate 18 from the first position to thesecond position and extracts extension unit 6 from receptacle 26 in headunit 4. Optionally, the user can move faceplate 18 back to the firstposition while extension unit 6 is removed from head unit 4. The userthen downloads the copy of the application of external personalelectronic device 42 to extension unit 6. This can be done, for example,by connecting extension unit 6 to external personal electronic device 42using personal electronic device connection unit 40 or by connectingextension unit 6 to an external device containing the copy of theapplication of external personal electronic device 42 through serialcommunication connection unit 30, wireless antenna 32, and/or SD cardconnection 34. Authentication unit 36 can authenticate either in one-wayor a mutual manner to ensure that extension unit 6 should be allowed todownload the application of external personal electronic device 42.External personal electronic device 42 and/or the external device can bedisconnected from extension unit 6.

The user then moves faceplate 18 from the first position to the secondposition if faceplate 18 is in the first position. Extension unit 6 isthen inserted into receptacle 26 and secured to head unit 4. Faceplate18 is then moved from the second position to the first position.Optionally, the user may be required to be authenticated such as throughauthentication unit 36 in extension unit 6. Then, the user may interactwith the application of external personal electronic device 42 whichsimulate features of external personal electronic device 42. Thesimulated features of external personal electronic device 42 aredisplayed on display 12 and such interactions can be visually throughdisplay 12, audibly through microphone 16 and/or speakers (not shown),and/or physically through buttons 14.

The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enableany person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosedmethods and apparatus. Various modifications to these examples will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles definedherein may be applied to other examples without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An extension unit comprising: a storage unit storing an applicationof an electronic accessory; a processor connected to the storage unit;and a first connection unit connected to the storage unit and configuredto be connected to a head unit in an automobile.
 2. The extension unitof claim 1 wherein the storage unit further stores an operating system.3. The extension unit of claim 2 further comprising a second connectionunit configured to be connected to the electronic accessory.
 4. Theextension unit of claim 2 wherein the application simulates theelectronic accessory.
 5. The extension unit of claim 4 wherein theapplication allows a user to access features of the electronic accessoryeven when the electronic accessory is disconnected from the extensionunit.
 6. The extension unit of claim 5 wherein the electronic accessoryis an audio unit.
 7. The extension unit of claim 5 wherein theelectronic accessory is a navigation unit.
 8. The extension unit ofclaim 5 further comprising a USB connection connected to the processor.9. The extension unit of claim 8 further comprising a wireless antennaconnected to the processor.
 10. The extension unit of claim 9 furthercomprising an SD card connection connected to the processor.
 11. Theextension unit of claim 10 further comprising an authentication unitconnected to the processor.
 12. An extension unit configured to beremoved or inserted into a receptacle of an automobile, the extensionunit comprising: a storage unit storing an application of an electronicaccessory, the application simulating the electronic accessory; aprocessor connected to the storage unit, and a first connection unitconnected to the storage unit and configured to be connected to a headunit, the first connection unit transmitting data from the applicationto the head unit when the first connection unit is connected to the headunit.
 13. The extension unit of claim 12 wherein the application allowsa user to access features of the head unit.
 14. The extension unit ofclaim 12 further comprising a second connection unit configured to beconnected to the electronic accessory.
 15. The extension unit of claim12 wherein the head unit is movable between a first location and asecond location, when the head unit is in the first location, the headunit covers the receptacle preventing the extension unit from beingremoved from or inserted into the receptacle and when the head unit isin the second location, the head unit exposes the receptacle allowingthe extension unit to be removed from or inserted into the receptacle.16. The extension unit of claim 12 wherein the electronic accessory isan audio unit or a navigation unit.
 17. The extension unit of claim 12further comprising: a USB connection connected to the processor; awireless antenna connected to the processor; an SD card connectionconnected to the processor; and an authentication unit connected to theprocessor.
 18. An automobile comprising: a head unit including a bodyhaving a receptacle, and a display connected to the body; and anextension unit including a storage unit storing an application of anelectronic accessory, the application simulating the electronicaccessory and allowing a user to access features of the electronicaccessory, a processor connected to the storage unit, a first connectionunit connected to the storage unit and configured to be connected to thehead unit, the first connection unit transmitting data from theapplication to the head unit when the first connection unit is connectedto the head unit, a USB connection connected to the processor, awireless antenna connected to the processor, an SD card connectionconnected to the processor, and an authentication unit connected to theprocessor.
 19. The automobile of claim 18 wherein the head unit ismovable between a first location and a second location, when the headunit is in the first location, the head unit covers the receptaclepreventing the extension unit from being removed from or inserted intothe receptacle and when the head unit is in the second location, thehead unit exposes the receptacle allowing the extension unit to beremoved from or inserted into the receptacle.
 20. The automobile ofclaim 18 wherein the electronic accessory is an audio unit or anavigation unit.